You’re more likely to die of a heart attack this month – and THIS is why

Scientists initially thought the rise in deaths had something to do with the cold, but this proved to be a false start

By Nelson Chong, for The Conversation

10th January 2017, 11:46 am

Updated: 10th January 2017, 11:56 am

DEATHS around the world from heart disease, such as heart attacks and stokes, peak in January.

Why this is the case has baffled scientists for some time, but new evidence is starting to unravel the mystery.

Getty Images

Deaths from heart disease peak in January

Scientists initially thought it had something to do with the cold, but this proved to be a false start.

Researchers at the University of Southern California examined deaths from heart attacks between 1985 and 1996 in Los Angeles, a city with a mild winter and a daily minimum temperature that is relatively constant throughout the year.

They ensure that our bodies follow a 24-hour rhythm and adapt to changes in our environment.

Disruption of these internal timing mechanisms can lead to cardiac disorders.

Indeed, a study showed that the Monday after the clocks go forward by one hour for daylight savings there is a 24 per cent increase in the numbers of heart attacks compared with any other Mondays of the year.

Lack of sleep can also increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Disrupting the circadian rhythms and sleep in the days after a heart attack can also hinder recovery.

So in addition to wearing a thicker coat in January, make sure you get some decent hours of sleep, top up your vitamin D and stay away from heavy traffic and busy high streets; an easy task then during the busiest period of the year.

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